Graduate Certificate Programs

Graduate certificate programs are relatively short-term programs that offer students a coherent body of knowledge practical to the workplace; they are not degree programs. They may be post-baccalaureate or post-masters. Certificate programs consist of no fewer than 12 semester hours of 500- and/or 600-level courses. Students admitted to a graduate certificate program will be required, at a minimum, to meet the same academic requirements as those defined by the Graduate School for degree-seeking students. The department(s) offering the program may set additional admission requirements. The application process is the same as for all other graduate programs. Recognition of the courses taken and the completion of the course of study will be noted on the student’s transcript. Current graduate certificate programs are listed at "Degrees and Certificates Offered." For information on specific certificate programs, refer to the departmental sections of this catalog or to the Graduate School’s web page at bradley.edu/grad.

Student Eligibility and Admission Criteria

An earned baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university is required for admission to a post-baccalaureate program. An earned master’s degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university is required for admission to a post-master’s program.

Students who are currently enrolled in the Graduate School and who wish to pursue a graduate certificate program must apply for admission to the program before completing the second course required by the certificate program.

Courses that satisfy the requirements for a certificate program may be used to satisfy the requirements for a master’s degree if applicable and at the discretion of the degree program coordinator/director.

Courses taken prior to admission to a certificate program are not a guaranteed means of admission to that certificate program or to a graduate degree program. Admission to or completion of a certificate program may be used as evidence in support of a student’s application for admission to a graduate degree program, but the certificate itself is not a prerequisite and does not guarantee admission.

All courses used to satisfy the certificate program requirements, with limited exceptions, must be taken at Bradley University unless the certificate program is taught jointly with another institution.

Students admitted to a graduate certificate program will be required, at a minimum, to meet the same academic requirements as those defined by the Graduate School for degree-seeking students. Individual departments may apply more stringent academic requirements.

The student’s official transcript shall contain the listing of courses taken in this program and will also indicate successful completion of the program.

The student will be required to complete the certificate program within the time limit specified for graduate programs by the Graduate School.

Students enrolled will have access to the same campus services as other graduate students.

Students seeking only a graduate certificate, with limited exceptions, will not be eligible for financial aid, with the exception of loans.

The Graduate School will issue the certificates of completion.

Students completing a certificate program will not participate in the University’s commencement exercises. Departments have the discretion to offer certificate award ceremonies.